New Delhi:- Scientists have developed and tested a new potential cancer treatment that acts like a COVID-19 vaccine. In this technology, mRNA molecules are delivered to cancer cells, which are tricked into producing toxic proteins that kill the tumor.

Inside every living cell is a ribosome, which is essentially a small factory that produces proteins. Exactly what proteins are produced depends on the given “blueprint” and these are derived from messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules.  

Over the past few decades, scientists have discovered that this mechanism can be exploited to produce useful proteins when needed. This mRNA technology was greatly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with BioNTech and Moderna developing a vaccine that tricks our cells into producing a virus-like spike protein, which could then drive subsequent infections. caused an immune response that trains our bodies to prevent.

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Since then, scientists have turned their attention to cancer, experimenting with using mRNA to produce proteins that mimic those found in tumors, thereby triggering an immune response against cancer. This may be particularly promising when combined with other therapies such as immunotherapy.  

But for new research, scientists at Israel's Tel Aviv University have developed an alternative, effective mRNA cancer treatment. The mRNA molecules are coded to produce toxins produced by bacteria, packaged into lipid nanoparticles, and injected into tumors. This causes the cells to start producing toxins, effectively poisoning themselves. The researchers say this could be a safer option than chemotherapy, which also damages healthy cells.

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"A simple injection into the tumor bed can make cancer cells 'suicide' without harming healthy cells," said co-lead author of the study, Professor Dan Peer. “Furthermore, cancer cells do not develop resistance to our technology, as is often the case with chemotherapy, because they can always use another natural toxin.”  

In a study on mice with melanoma, 44-60% of cancer cells were destroyed after one injection. Tumor growth was slowed, and mice had significantly higher survival rates than control mice. No adverse effects on animals were found.

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While the idea sounds interesting, it's important to remember that this research is still in its early stages. There are no guarantees that the results will translate to humans, and larger animal studies should be done first.  

The new treatment using the mRNA to produce proteins after entering the human body can kill the tumor and also cure cancer with its powerful molecules. It is proved by the Israel Aviv University Researchers.